Methodology: frugality without compromise, excellence without ego
Our team — composed of world-class photographers, researchers, designers, and storytellers — works with a clear and unwavering commitment: the communities we serve are always the protagonists. Our role is to amplify their voices, not ours.
We work with communities, not for them. This collaborative approach allows us to put the people and their narratives front and center, ensuring their stories remain authentic and impactful.
Our own ego, while we are fully aware of our skills and capabilities, takes a backseat. The project and the communities come first. This ethos has been at the heart of every project we’ve carried out across the globe.
Technical excellence on the ground and beyond
Our dedication to excellence isn’t just philosophical: it’s deeply practical. Ayzoh! operates with cutting-edge equipment through a mobile studio equipped with photo, video, and audio gear, as well as a portable workstation and satellite connection (Starlink).
This advanced technology enables our field teams to collaborate seamlessly and in real time with our main studio in Rimini, Italy, and our strategic partners in San Miguel de Allende (Mexico), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Fredrikstad (Norway).
No matter how challenging or remote the environment, Ayzoh! is capable of managing even the most complex situations with precision and adaptability.
This ability to operate efficiently in difficult contexts is a testament to both our technical prowess and our deep-rooted commitment to the communities we work with.
Every dollar counts: the power of frugality
At Ayzoh!, frugality is a core principle. This doesn’t mean we cut corners; it means we maximize the impact of every single dollar we receive. We believe in investing where it matters most: in the work we do and in the communities we serve.
While we use the best technical equipment we can afford — which is crucial for the quality of our work — we intentionally maintain a humble, frugal lifestyle.
We don’t stay in luxury hotels or dine in expensive restaurants. Instead, we live 100% with the communities we engage with.
This not only results in significant cost savings, but it also allows us to fully immerse ourselves in their daily lives, gaining a deep and intimate understanding of their reality.
This level of immersion is what sets us apart and enables us to tell stories with unparalleled authenticity and depth. We don’t just document, we become part of the community.
Multidisciplinary and self-sufficient
Despite our frugal approach, we consistently achieve extraordinary results. Our strength lies in our multidisciplinary expertise: from photography, video, and web design to print production and multimedia storytelling.
This versatility allows us to handle a wide range of tasks in-house, which reduces costs and ensures that every project meets the highest standards of quality.
While we always ensure fair compensation for our collaborators and aren’t afraid to seek expert help when needed, our ability to manage multiple disciplines effectively means we can deliver world-class outcomes even with relatively limited resources.
This combination of frugality, skill, and dedication makes Ayzoh! a unique force in the world of documentary storytelling and social advocacy.
Ayzoh! and the Indigenous people
At Ayzoh!, every project begins with a deep respect for the cultural practices and knowledge of the communities we work with, especially indigenous peoples. Our approach is not one of extraction or external imposition, but of reciprocity.
We believe in true exchange, where both parties learn from and enrich each other. This respect is foundational to our work, and it extends to every collaborator and partner who joins us.
Everyone involved in Ayzoh! must honor this principle, recognizing that indigenous cultures offer not only heritage but also vital perspectives on how to live in harmony with our world.
We invite you to explore and be part of Somos
Be part of a global effort to foster unity, justice, and dignity for all. Your contribution empowers Indigenous communities to thrive, ensuring their voices are heard on a global stage. Continue reading to explore the origins of SOMOS, its objectives, and the incredible communities we work with around the world.
